Gaborone, Botswana : The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko attended a ceremonial release at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Gaborone on November 13, 2025. Specialists from both countries transferred eight cheetahs, captured in the Ghanzi area, into a quarantine facility—part of Botswana’s donation to India under Project Cheetah and a new milestone in bilateral wildlife conservation cooperation.
Diplomatic Visits and Bilateral Talks
Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe and Dr. Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, separately met President Murmu during her visit. Discussions with President Boko confirmed a shared intent to expand collaboration across trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Message to the Indian Community in Botswana
Before departing for New Delhi, President Murmu addressed the Indian community at a reception hosted by India’s High Commissioner in Gaborone. She praised the community as cultural ambassadors who embody values of hard work and integrity, and urged them to continue contributing to Botswana’s development while maintaining strong ties to India. She encouraged use of programs such as the Overseas Citizen of India scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas to deepen engagement with India’s development journey. Ministers V. Somanna, Parbhubhai Nagarbhai Vasava, and D. K. Aruna accompanied the President.
Next Steps
President Murmu will return to New Delhi on the morning of November 14 after completing visits to Angola and Botswana. The handover of cheetahs marks the start of the next phase of Project Cheetah and signals strengthened India–Botswana cooperation in conservation and beyond.
